As we head towards the end of September, it’s time to shed some light on another of our wonderful volunteers.
This is how our ‘Gig Buddies volunteer vault’ series works: at the end of each month we invite a current volunteer to talk about their experiences with the project.
Having previously shared both Megan and Dean’s accounts, today it’s the turn of Ali (below left), pictured below alongside buddy, Ben (below right).
- How long have you been volunteering with Gig Buddies?
I've been with Gig Buddies for about four years.
- Is Gig Buddies your first volunteering role?
I've also been a volunteer Life Saver since 2006, starting at Whale Beach and working the last few years at Palm Beach.
- Why do you volunteer with Gig Buddies?
It’s a really nice way to volunteer as it’s not strict on times and is super flexible. I also get to do fun stuff that I enjoy with a new friend.
- How would you describe your volunteering experience with Gig Buddies?
My volunteer experience with Gig Buddies has been great, I've got a really nice friendship with my buddy Ben and also his housemate, Gerard, and his buddy, Michelle. It's nice to do activities and catch ups together. We go to sports games and comedy shows, which is always fun.
- Tell us about some of the highlights from your time volunteering with Gig Buddies
I always enjoy getting to know everyone from Gig Buddies and meeting other pairs and finding out what they do. Ben and I have also been to some pretty exciting Roosters games.
- What would you say to someone reading this who is thinking about volunteering with Gig Buddies?
It's a fantastic way to volunteer, you end up doing fun stuff and making new friends.
"It’s a really nice way to volunteer…”
We hope Ali’s words resonate both with our existing volunteers - and with those who are also thinking about signing up.
Our Gig Buddies volunteer vault runs on the last Monday of each month. We look forward to sharing another story in October.
Are you looking to volunteer?
We need volunteers! Click on the image above for current Sydney roles and the graphic below for opportunities on the Central Coast.
If you have any questions or would like more information, contact us via Facebook or email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org
Join us at……
Tickets are flying out the door for our October outings.
Our trip to the Chippo for Halloween trivia has sold out, while limited places are still available at our four other events.
First up, we invite buddies to join us in the city for the famous Noodle Markets. Two days later we go west, stopping off at Milperra for lunch and live music.
We then head north to Wahroonga for free music in the park courtesy of Jellybean Jam and Rocket Man vs. Piano Man. And one week later we venture to the Inner West for the women’s AFL clash between Sydney Swans and Fremantle Dockers.
To find out more about our October outings (and to book your place), load up the links below:
If you have any questions about our forthcoming events, get in touch: we can be reached via Facebook Messenger, email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org or via text or phone call on 0411 252 228.
Each and every week we invite buddies to connect with us for our weekly chat.
Our chats take place via Zoom. To attend get in touch via text: 0422 061 990 or Facebook Messenger.
Best of British
The last Thursday of the month is imminent - and that means only one thing! Our online social gathering is back.
We invite you to join us on Zoom this Thursday night for our 'All Things Britain' Kahoot! quiz.
Kahoot! apps at the ready! Do you know who’s third in line for the the throne? Or which city the Beatles came from? We’ll be asking a series of questions, all of which will have a distinctly British answer.
Things get going at 8pm. To find out more about this week’s online offering (and to sign up), load up the link below:
Thursday 29/9
All online games will take place via Zoom. For information on how to use Zoom, load up the following easy read guide written by Learning Disability Wales. Alternatively, click here to check out our 'how to use Zoom' video.
Gig Buddies quizzes takes place on Kahoot!, an app that can be downloaded from the app store. All participants are required to download this app. For more information about how to access Kahoot!, click here to load up our easy read guide.
To take part in any of the Gig Buddies quizzes buddies will need access to two devices, one to run Zoom and the other to enable the Kahoot! app. For example, buddies could access Zoom via a desktop computer/laptop and load up the Kahoot! app on a smartphone or tablet.
If you have any questions or would like more information, send us an email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org or info@gigbuddiescentralcoast.org or call/SMS us on 0402 708 814.
1 up
We’re delighted to reveal a new match.
Step forward Rachelle and Beth (above, L - R). Welcome to the family, it’s great having you both on board.
Three is the magic number
Additionally, we’re excited to bring more information on our latest batch of trained volunteers.
Thanks to Zac (top left), Amy (right) and Louis (bottom left) for joining us on Zoom last week. We look forward to sharing news on three new matches soon.
Are you in the market for Gig Buddies’ merchandise?
Click on the image above to get your fill on Gig Buddies goodies. If we haven’t got the size you’re after, get in touch via text: 0422 061 990 or Facebook Messenger.
Hold the press
Due to next week’s public holiday, we’ll be away from the office on Monday 3 October.
The Gig Buddies’ newsletter will be returning on Monday 10 October.
COVID-19 Vaccinations - AN UPDATE
The NSW Chief Health Officer has extended the current exemption that allows workers (and volunteers) who have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine to continue to work if they have been assessed as being essential to the operation of the service.
All workers (and volunteers) who have not yet received their booster must also take reasonable steps to get the booster as soon as practical. The exemption has been extended to December 4 2022.
If you have already obtained your booster please send your certificate to info@gigbuddiessydney.org or via text/WhatsApp it to 0411 252 228
Similarly, for those who have been granted an exemption from a medical professional, we require a copy of any relevant documentation.
You can access your vaccination certificate through your Medicare or MyGov account. For more information on how to obtain a copy, click here.
Matthew, Carol, Tony, Bec, Chelsea, Xena and Aylin
Would you like more information about Gig BuddiesSydney? You’re only a click away. Connect with us via the links below.
Fancy revelling in legendary status? If so, please support us in our cause to get more people out to live events in Sydney.
Donations over $2 are tax deductible and all are gratefully received.
The Gig Buddies Sydney project is an initiative of ACL Disability Services.
Comments